BMW i5 Charging at Lidl Charging

BMW i5 eDrive40 Charger Won't Start: Fix Guide Now

You have connected your BMW i5 to a charger, but the session will not start. The charger sits idle, iDrive shows nothing, or you get an error message. This is one of the most reported problems at public chargers, and the fix is usually simple.

Symptoms

• The charger screen stays on 'connect vehicle' after plugging in the CCS2 cable
• iDrive does not show any charging activity
• The charge port LED on the i5 does not illuminate
• An error code appears on the charger display
• The connector does not lock into the charge port

What to Do

1. 1

   Make sure the i5 is unlocked

   The charge port only opens and accepts a connector when the car is unlocked. Use the key fob or My BMW app to unlock if needed.

2. 2

   Seat the connector firmly

   Push the CCS2 or Type 2 plug straight into the port until it clicks and locks. The charging port is on the rear right of the i5. Do not twist or angle the connector.

3. 3

   Complete authentication at the charger

   Tap your RFID card, start the session in the charging app, or pay via contactless. The charger needs authorization before it sends power to your i5.

4. 4

   Check iDrive for scheduling conflicts

   Open iDrive and navigate to Charging, then Charging Settings. If a departure time or scheduled window is active, switch to 'Charge Immediately' to override it.

5. 5

   Unplug and reconnect

   Remove the connector, wait 15 seconds, then plug in again. This forces a new handshake between the i5 and the charger, which resolves many communication issues.

6. 6

   Move to another charger

   If nothing works, the charger is likely faulty. Try another stall or station. Report the broken charger through the network app so others are warned.

BMW i5 Charging Payment Failed: Solutions That Work

Your BMW i5 is plugged in and ready, but the charger will not accept your payment. Whether it is an RFID card that gets no response, an app that throws an error, or a declined bank card, this stops you from charging. Here is how to get past it quickly.

Symptoms

• Charger shows 'authentication failed' or 'payment error'
• RFID card tap produces no response on the charger
• Charging app fails to start the session with a payment error
• Contactless bank card is declined at the charger terminal
• Session starts but immediately cancels with a billing error

What to Do

1. 1

   Switch to a different payment method

   Try another RFID card, a different charging app, or contactless bank card. Having at least two options means one failure does not strand you.

2. 2

   Verify your account status

   Open the charging app and check your payment method, balance, and subscription status. Fix any issues before retrying.

3. 3

   Check which networks this charger accepts

   Look for network logos on the charger unit. If your provider is not listed, you need ad-hoc payment or a different provider.

4. 4

   Scan the QR code for ad-hoc payment

   Most modern European chargers have a QR code. Scan it with your phone to open a web-based payment page. You can pay with any credit or debit card, no app needed.

5. 5

   Cancel and restart the session

   If the payment seemed to process but charging did not start, cancel the session in the app and try again. A fresh authorization attempt often works.

6. 6

   Call the network's support number

   The charger should display a support phone number. The operator can sometimes authorize sessions remotely or troubleshoot billing issues in real time.

BMW i5 eDrive40 Charging Too Slow: Causes and Fixes

Your BMW i5 eDrive40 can charge at up to 205kW on a DC fast charger, which is impressive for a 400V car. But if you are seeing far lower numbers on the iDrive display, something is limiting the power. Most causes are easy to identify and fix.

Symptoms

• DC charging power shown in iDrive is well below 205kW
• Charging takes much longer than expected for the 81.2kWh battery
• Speed drops drastically above 50% state of charge
• AC charging is stuck at 11kW even at a 22kW station
• iDrive displays a battery temperature warning or conditioning message

What to Do

1. 1

   Check current power in iDrive

   Open the charging screen on iDrive to see the live kW figure, battery temperature, and estimated completion time. This tells you immediately whether the car or the charger is the limiting factor.

2. 2

   Precondition the battery before arriving

   Enter the charging station as a destination in iDrive navigation. The i5 will automatically warm (or cool) the battery to optimal charging temperature while you drive. This can double your initial charging speed in winter.

3. 3

   Choose a high-power charger

   Use the BMW app or a charger map to find stations rated at 200kW or above. Ionity, Fastned, and some Shell Recharge stations offer 300kW+ chargers that let the i5 reach its peak.

4. 4

   Avoid power-sharing stalls

   At charger parks with paired stalls (A1/A2, B1/B2), choose a pair where the other stall is empty. This gives your i5 the full charger output.

5. 5

   Charge in the optimal range

   Plan your stops to arrive between 5% and 15% and leave at 80%. This keeps you in the fastest part of the i5's charging curve and minimizes time per kWh added.

6. 6

   Install software updates

   BMW pushes OTA updates that can improve charging performance. Check iDrive under Settings, then Software Update, and install any pending updates.

Pricing confusion at the charger

Lidl charging policies vary by country and store. Some locations have promotional rates, while others charge standard per-kWh fees. The rules can change without much notice.

Symptoms

• Charging session costs more than expected
• Different Lidl stores seem to have different pricing
• Session stops after a time limit you did not expect
• App shows different terms than what you experienced last time

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check the pricing terms at the specific store

   Pricing varies by location and country. Look at the signage near the charger or check the app before you start. Do not assume the same terms apply at all Lidl stores.

2. 2

   Set a timer on your phone

   If the location has a time limit, start a timer when you begin charging so you know when to return to your car.

3. 3

   Check if idle fees apply

   Some Lidl locations charge idle fees if your car remains plugged in after charging completes. Move your car promptly when the session ends.

4. 4

   Do not rely on supermarket chargers for a full charge

   Supermarket charging is best for a quick top-up while shopping. If you need to charge from low battery to 80%, plan for a dedicated fast charging station where you can stay longer without restrictions.

Charger occupied by ICE vehicles

Non-electric cars park in the EV charging spots because they are close to the store entrance. This is a persistent problem at supermarket locations.

Symptoms

• Petrol or diesel car parked in the marked EV charging bay
• Car parked so close to the charger that you cannot access the cable
• All EV spots taken by non-electric vehicles
• Shopping cart corral or delivery truck blocking access to the charger

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check if the parking is enforced

   Some Lidl locations have clear EV-only signage with towing warnings. Others just have painted markings that are easy to ignore. If there is a parking management company sign, you can report the ICE vehicle.

2. 2

   Ask at the Lidl store

   Store staff may be willing to make an announcement. They deal with parking issues regularly and some stores have processes for this.

3. 3

   Wait or shop first

   Supermarket parking turns over quickly. A 20-minute shopping trip may be enough for the spot to clear.

4. 4

   Find the nearest alternative

   Check for another Lidl or a nearby public charger. In urban areas, there is often another option within a few minutes.

Charging power reduced during peak store hours

The charger delivers noticeably less power during busy shopping times. The station may share its electrical supply with the store itself, reducing available power for EV charging.

Symptoms

• Charging speed is significantly slower during Saturday morning or lunch rush
• Dashboard shows 30 to 50 kW at a charger rated for 150 kW
• Speed improves noticeably during quieter hours
• Two cars charging simultaneously both receive low power

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check your battery level and temperature first

   Before blaming the charger, confirm your battery is not above 80% (where speed drops naturally) and not cold. These are the most common reasons for slow charging regardless of location.

2. 2

   Try charging during off-peak hours

   If your schedule allows, charge early morning or in the evening when the store is less busy. Power allocation to the charger may increase when store demand drops.

3. 3

   Check if another vehicle is sharing the power unit

   Some Lidl chargers share power between two connectors. If both are in use, each vehicle gets roughly half the rated power. If one car finishes, your speed may increase.

4. 4

   Accept the lower speed if you are shopping anyway

   Even at 50 kW, you gain about 50 km of range every 10 minutes. If you are shopping for 30 minutes, that is still a meaningful top-up.

App needed for troubleshooting but not normally required

Lidl chargers generally work with contactless payment or a charging card. But when something goes wrong, you may need the operator's app to diagnose the problem or start a session manually.

Symptoms

• Contactless payment failed and there is no other way to start
• Charger shows an error code you do not understand
• You want to check real-time status but the charger screen is unhelpful
• QR code on the charger leads to an app you do not have installed

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Scan the QR code on the charger

   This usually opens the operator's web interface or app store page. Lidl chargers are operated by different companies depending on the country (Compleo, Allego, E.ON, and others).

2. 2

   Note the operator name on the charger

   The charging operator is printed on the charger unit, usually near the base or on the payment terminal. Search for their app if you need to start a session or report a fault.

3. 3

   Try a roaming app

   Apps like Chargemap, Shell Recharge, or Plugsurfing often have roaming access to Lidl chargers. If the contactless reader is broken, starting through a roaming app may work.

4. 4

   Call the support number on the charger

   There is almost always a phone number on the charger unit for the operator's helpline. They can sometimes start or reset a session remotely.

Charger placement blocks adjacent parking spots

Some Lidl charger installations make it difficult to park in adjacent spots when a car is plugged in. The cable or the charger unit itself can obstruct neighboring bays.

Symptoms

• Your charging cable stretches across the next parking spot
• Parked car at the charger blocks you from entering the adjacent bay
• Cable does not reach your charge port without parking at an awkward angle
• Other shoppers complain about the cable crossing the walkway

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Park with your charge port closest to the charger

   Know which side of your car the charge port is on. If possible, pull in from the direction that puts the port nearest to the cable. This keeps the cable short and out of the way.

2. 2

   Route the cable over your car if needed

   If the cable must cross to the opposite side, drape it over the hood or roof rather than across the ground where people walk. Most DC cables are long enough for this.

3. 3

   Use the spot that causes the least obstruction

   If multiple charging spots are available, choose the one where your charge port alignment minimizes cable stretch across other bays.

4. 4

   Be mindful of the time limit

   Do not leave your car plugged in longer than necessary. In a tight parking lot, a plugged-in car blocking adjacent spots is more frustrating than one that is simply parked.